Hidden Figures 

Hidden Figures is an American biographical film that recounts the true story of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Johnson, three African American women whose life stories are set against the backdrop of the Space Race and the Civil Rights Movement. The bigotry, racism, and sexism they experience in both the city of Langley in British Colombia and their personal lives form the central conflict in this story. 

The film is set in the 1960s, a time when acts of sexism and racial tension were at an all-time high. The incidents that took place in Langley and the surrounding towns are a microcosm of the experiences of African American people, especially women, throughout America. By acknowledging and addressing these forms of discrimination, the film contributes to a more inclusive understanding of women's empowerment.

The movie begins with a strained scene where the three women experience trouble with their car on their way to work at the Langley Research Center. This scene sets the stage for the challenges these women face both professionally and personally.

Throughout the movie, several scenes depict the racism and segregation faced by the main characters, particularly Katherine Johnson, as they navigate their roles at NASA. This includes separate bathrooms, coffee pots, and dining areas for African-American employees, as well as the general discrimination they face from their white colleagues.

One of the central plot lines of the film revolves around Katherine Johnson's vital role in calculating the trajectories for John Glenn's historic orbit around the Earth. There are multiple scenes showing Katherine working tirelessly to double-check and verify her calculations, despite facing skepticism and resistance from her male colleagues.

Another key storyline follows Dorothy Vaughan's efforts to advance her career and secure a supervisory role at NASA. We see her taking initiative by learning computer programming and leading a group of African-American women, known as "computers," who perform complex mathematical calculations for the agency.

Mary Jackson's journey involves her struggle to overcome institutional barriers and pursue her dream of becoming NASA's first African-American female engineer. We see her challenging the segregation policies that prevent her from attending engineering classes at a segregated school and ultimately petitioning the court for the right to attend an all-white school.

Throughout the film, the bond of friendship and support between the three main characters is evident. They rely on each other for encouragement, advice, and solidarity as they navigate the challenges of working in a predominantly white, male environment.

The climax of the film comes when John Glenn's successful orbit is achieved, all thanks in part to Katherine Johnson's calculations. The film celebrates the contributions of these three women, culminating in a scene where Katherine receives recognition for her work and is invited into the control room to witness the historic moment.

Overall, "Hidden Figures" is a powerful and inspiring film that highlights the often-overlooked contributions of African-American women to the space race and the broader field of science and technology. It sheds light on the systemic racism and sexism of the time while celebrating the resilience, intelligence, and determination of its protagonists.

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